DENVER – For the second straight year, safety Jeron Johnson put his best foot forward in his ongoing battle to stay on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster.
The Boise State University product created some big plays to make Seattle’s coaching staff take notice Saturday night.
Johnson earned significant time with the starting defensive unit, playing in place of safety Kam Chancellor at times in the first half.
And Johnson made the most of it, corralling one of two Peyton Manning interceptions. Johnson also stuffed Denver running back Lance Ball behind the line of scrimmage and stripped him of the ball, with linebacker Leroy Hill recovering the fumble.
“That’s huge for two turnovers by a kid,” Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said. “But all along he’s really improved from last year. And he’s playing some good ball for us. It’s exciting to see him in there.”
Johnson is in a battle with Chris Maragos and rookie sixth-round draft choice Winston Guy for a reserve spot on the roster behind starting safeties Chancellor and Earl Thomas.
An undrafted rookie free agent picked up by Seattle last season, Johnson was in the same spot in 2011, competing with fifth-round draft choice Mark LeGree.
Johnson ended up making the roster by making big plays during exhibition play last year, including a forced fumble on a punt return.
“I’m just trying to capitalize on my opportunities,” Johnson said. “Special teams, defense – wherever it may be. I want to do the best I can and make plays for the team.”
Johnson played in seven games as a rookie, finishing with four special teams tackles.
PENALTIES A PROBLEM
Ugly penalties returned for the Seahawks.
Offensive tackle Breno Giacomini drew a personal foul penalty when he head-butted a Denver defensive player on a Steven Hauschka 43-yard field goal. Giacomini also was called for a holding penalty.
And offensive guard Deuce Lutui was called for a personal foul after a late hit on the opening drive of the second half. Lutui was taken out by Carroll after the play.
Seattle finished with seven penalties for 75 yards.
“I’m hoping the impact is felt,” Carroll said. “I want our guys to feel how clear it is that we have to play penalty-free. That’s the kind of team this is. We have to play penalty-free to play like we want to play.”
The Seahawks were one of the most penalized teams in the league last year. Seattle averaged 8.6 penalties a game in 2011, the second-most in the league.
EXTRA POINTS
Punter Jon Ryan had a punt blocked and another one deflected by Denver safety David Bruton in the first half. The first block occurred on Seattle’s opening possession, and the Broncos took over on Seattle’s 24-yard line. However, K.J. Wright’s interception kept the Broncos out of the end zone. Bruton again got a hand on the ball in the second quarter, but Ryan managed to get enough on the ball to boot it 52 yards. … Defensive end Dexter Davis appeared to re-aggravate a nagging hip injury midway through the third quarter, but returned to the game. … Denver receiver Andre Caldwell suffered a chest injury in the fourth quarter after a big hit from Seattle safety Chris Maragos and did not return. … Former Seattle receiver Brandon Stokley finished with three catches for 41 yards for the Broncos. … Players who did not play Saturday for Seattle included quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, receiver Sidney Rice, running back Michael Robinson, cornerback Walter Thurmond, cornerback Ron Parker, defensive end Cordarro Law, linebacker Michael Morgan, linebacker Matt McCoy, linebacker Malcolm Smith, offensive lineman John Moffitt, offensive lineman James Carpenter, tight end Zach Miller, receiver Ben Obomanu and receiver Doug Baldwin.
eric.williams@thenewstribune.com 253-597-8437 blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks @eric_d_williams
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.